The Gut Buster

This drill is a complex one, but really gets both the muscles and the mind in gear. After the start sequence, sailors must tack 3 times, then round the centre buoy to port, tack another 3 times, then round the top mark. Then they must gybe 3-4 times before rounding the centre buoy to starboard, then gybe another 3-4 times, and finally finish.

Teaching Points:

  • Fast tacks/gybes
  • 360s, taking a penalty
  • Head out of the boat
  • Boat control

Modifications:

  • Generally this is done with a fairly small course, but depending on sailor skill you can increase or decrease distance as necessary
  • Start sailors individually with 30s difference to decrease chaos
  • Increase/decrease number of tacks/gybes